Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

When I took my bumpers off for re-chroming, I noticed the following:

1) The front bumper bolts were more rounded than those on the back (the back were still rounded but quite a bit flatter). I think my rear ones are correct?

2) The rear bumper only was secured by the (hidden) bolts at the side. There was nothing in the holes on the top edge of the bumper at the rear. Should there be? And are these the same as the bolts on the vertical face at the rear (where I have the flatter bolts - decorative only)? The parts list suggests they might be different?

Thanks!

Richard

Hi

The rear bolts should be the same as the dash bolts (cross head).

See my second post with pics in the following:

elan-plus-f13/plus-bumpers-t17051.html?hilit=%20bumper&start=15

Jason

Thanks - I scanned the topic but missed the vital pictures. Seems odd though - why not bolts?

Richard.

I thought I would post a couple of pics.

Note pic of original rear bumper with the extra swage near to the rear of the bumper. If anyone has a cheap one lying around I'll take it off your hands.

Seems odd though - why not bolts?

I guess they were cheaper?

I believe the rear bumper bolts are from a Wolseley Hornet. I bought them from a classic Mini parts distributor here in the U.S..

Bob

namrick website can help...

search, chrome bolts, bumper bolts.....

sorry couldnt do one of those link thingys..dont know how to do it

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Riley-Elf-Wol ... 588wt_1139

Lotus took the rear bumper from the Riley Elf/ Wolseley Hornet (see link above), cut it in half and added a couple of inches. Sadly the cost of re-chroming a modified Elf bumper does not make it worth while. I looked into this as I need a new bumper but opted for a new one from Sue Miller which sadly does not have the correct lower swage.

So although the Elf/ Wolseley bolts will fit they are not what Lotus used on the rear bumper.

I have Stainless Elf inspired bolts on the rear of mine as the standard Lotus ones rust far too easily for my liking.

Jason

Old thread revival...

Just checking the debate on rear bumper bolts after somebody in a car park was adamant I had the wrong rear bumper bolts/screws?

Any difference between early and late cars (I have a 1973 +2S 130/5 i.e. late)

1.
before restoration it had x4 chromed crosshead 1/4 UNC screws, this is what I refitted (excluding the x2 hidden ones) said "expert" insisted coach bolts were correct.

I need to replace mine as the originals I bought have been poorly chromed and already peeling off

2.
I have no bolts/screws fitted in the 2x slots on the vertical face of the rear bumper, should these have coach bolts for decoration (nothing fitted in the holes when I bought the car).

Innes

Mine have always been chrome carriage bolts. I had replaced with SS some years ago as the originals were quite rusty

Unless the parts manual disagrees, I doubt screws are correct

If you have a +2 upto the introduction of the +2S130 they should be Chrome Coach Bolts.
If you have a +2S130 and after they should be Crosshead Screws.
Alan